Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour — Guide Sam
November, 2025
This is a private guided tour report by Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.), a network of 1,000+ government-licensed, English-speaking local guides across all 47 prefectures of Japan. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Tour Itinerary
- ①14:30 Meet at the hotel
- ②14:45 Lunch at a restaurant near Hokan-ji Temple
- ③15:30 Kiyomizu-dera Temple
- ④16:15 Sannenzaka, Ninenzaka
- ⑤17:00 Gion, Pontocho
- ⑥18:00 Shopping for knives at Teramachi Street Shopping District
- ⑦18:15 Board a taxi, see-off
- (⑧18:30 Arrive at dinner restaurant)
Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Walking Tour of the Higashiyama District Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a group visiting Japan from Europe. Based on the interests and requests I had heard from each member in advance, and working within a limited amount of time, I guided a walking tour from the Hotel through the Higashiyama district. After visiting Kiyomizu-dera Temple, we walked toward Yasaka Shrine while enjoying the ceramics and porcelain along the way, which some of the guests were fond of. We then strolled through the Gion and Pontocho geisha districts, which some of the guests had requested. At the Teramachi shopping street, some of the guests purchased a knife, and since they had a dinner reservation at a sukiyaki restaurant in the Marutamachi area at 18:30, I saw them into a taxi and we parted ways there.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Hello! I am Osamu Kitagawa , National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter(English). Please call me SAM.
I love Japanese culture, history, and visiting historical places, scenic spots, and fashionable spots as well. I can guide you all over Japan as I have ever visited all prefectures in Japan. I have a global experience in international banking business including residing in Hong Kong and Jakarta. So I’m able to have daily conversations in Indonesian language, too. I’m looking forward to seeing you soon!
Certification
Certified Travel Services Manager
Authorized Tour Conductor
Kyoto Expert Certification
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